Why did you choose to work in this sector?

I have a general interest in natural sciences and the environment. Plus I enjoy the outdoor aspect of an environmental role.

What is the most rewarding part of your current job?

Implementation of an improvement for the better.

What has been one of your recent achievements?

100 per cent compliance across site for environmental awareness, implementation of a new waste contract and improvement in our waste reuse/recycling. Several projects due for completion in 2014.

What is the most challenging part of your current job?

Getting the average employee to take ownership of their impact on the environment during their everyday tasks.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I would love to open and manage a pristine Rangeland environment park where feral animals have been eliminated and no land disturbance has taken place. Visitors can come to see our threatened native species and aim to breed them for release into the wild.

What are some of the other benefits of your job?

This role is what you make of it. I can implement change where required to improve our compliance or general improvement of environmental impact.

What training did you have for this job?

Upper secondary school

Year 11 and 12 Biology, Chemistry and Geography. Year 11 Introductory Calculus and Year 12 Discrete Maths

After secondary school

BSc majoring in Natural Resource Management (Soil and Water focus with my electives)

What career advice would you give to school students interested in a similar career?

Gain as much work experience as you can when you’re studying; volunteer for local groups as well as departments/PHD students at uni if they need assistance. Get involved and work hard.

To find out more about how Rio Tinto supports classroom teaching and learning in maths, science and business studies for young people aged 12-16 visit SMART, our free international education portal. Using a combination of interactive whiteboard presentations, printable lesson plans, worksheets and case studies, students can explore how their academic studies relate to real-world operations in a major global business.

STELR

The STELR Program is a hands-on, inquiry-based, in-curriculum program designed for secondary school students, on the theme of global warming and renewable energy. It is our aspiration that ultimately all Australian students, including students who live in remote areas, will have the opportunity to participate in the STELR program.